What does BTTS mean in betting?
BTTS stands for Both Teams to Score, a football betting market that settles on whether each team scores at least one goal during a match.
BTTS is widely used across domestic leagues, international fixtures and major tournaments.
The BTTS market offers two outcomes based on whether both teams score during regular time and stoppage time.
- BTTS Yes is settled as a winner when each team scores at least one goal.
- BTTS No wins when one or both teams finish the match without scoring.
How do BTTS bets work?
BTTS bets settle after 90 minutes plus injury time only. Extra time doesn't count, even in cup matches where it determines progression. This means a 0-0 match that becomes 1-1 in extra time settles as BTTS No.
Own goals are credited to the opposing team for BTTS purposes. If Team A concedes an own goal and Team B scores legitimately, both teams are deemed to have scored.
Penalties scored during regular time count, but penalty shootouts don't. Disallowed goals, regardless of reason, are excluded from settlement.
Settlement examples:
- 1-1, 2-1, 3-2, 5-4 → BTTS Yes wins
- 0-0, 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 → BTTS No wins
- 0-0 at full-time, 1-1 after extra time → BTTS No wins
- 1-0 with own goal by Team A, legitimate goal by Team B → BTTS Yes wins
Bookmakers confirm results once official competition organisers publish final scorelines.
VAR decisions made during the 90-minute period count, but retrospective action taken after the match doesn't affect settlement.
BTTS types & market variations
Market Type | Description | Settlement Period | Typical Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
BTTS Yes/No | Standard market | 90 minutes | 1.80-2.20 (4/5 to 6/5) |
BTTS & Win | Both score + match result | 90 minutes | 4.00-8.00 (3/1 to 7/1) |
BTTS in Both Halves | Both score in 1st AND 2nd half | Each half separate | 8.00-20.00+ (7/1 to 19/1+) |
BTTS 1st Half | Both score before half-time | 45 minutes only | 4.50-7.00 (7/2 to 6/1) |
BTTS 2nd Half | Both score after half-time | 45-90 minutes | 3.50-5.00 (5/2 to 4/1) |
BTTS & Over/Under | Both score + total goals threshold | 90 minutes | 2.50-4.00 (6/4 to 3/1) |
- BTTS & Win creates six possible outcomes:
- Yes + Home Win
- Yes + Away Win
- Yes + Draw
- No + Home Win
- No + Away Win
- No + Draw
Each combination settles independently. Higher odds reflect the difficulty of predicting both elements correctly. A 2-1 home victory settles BTTS Yes + Home Win.
- BTTS in Both Halves requires both teams to score during the first 45 minutes and again during the second 45 minutes.
This outcome is extremely rare. The 2022 World Cup saw only one instance across 64 matches (Cameroon 3-3 Serbia). Most leagues see this occur in fewer than 5% of fixtures.
- BTTS & Over/Under combines goalscoring distribution with total volume. The most common pairing is BTTS Yes + Over 2.5 goals, requiring both teams to score and at least three total goals.
A 2-1 scoreline satisfies both conditions, whilst 1-1 fails the Over 2.5 requirement despite fulfilling BTTS Yes.
When are BTTS markets commonly used?
BTTS markets appear frequently across football betting and are often used in the following situations:
- High-scoring leagues: Matches in leagues with consistent goal activity tend to feature BTTS markets prominently.
- Fixtures with balanced attacking sides: Games involving teams with established scoring records often generate interest in BTTS outcomes.
- Derby or rivalry matches: Competitive fixtures with open play styles can lead to increased attention on BTTS options.
- Matchdays with varied market types: BTTS is widely included alongside over/under goals, match results and other football markets.
Strategies to place smarter BTTS bets
When approaching BTTS betting, using data-driven strategies can help improve your chances of success. Consider these key approaches:
- Analyse team scoring trends: Look at recent matches to see how often both teams score.
- Consider head-to-head history: Some fixtures historically produce goals, while others are low-scoring.
- Check line-ups and injuries: Missing key attackers or defenders can heavily influence BTTS outcomes.
- Combine with other markets: Pair BTTS with win/draw/win or over/under goals for better value.
- Use value betting: Compare odds across bookmakers to identify opportunities where the probability is higher than implied.
Conclusion
BTTS (Both Teams to Score) is settled on whether each team scores at least once in normal time and stoppage time, excluding extra time and penalties unless stated. Because it focuses on goal activity rather than results, it has become a widely used market across leagues, international fixtures, and major tournaments.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I cash out a BTTS bet before the match ends?
Yes, most bookmakers offer cash out on BTTS bets during live play. Early goals increase or reduce value depending on the remaining time and scoring likelihood. Some operators limit cash-out availability in the final minutes.
What's the difference between BTTS and GG (Goal/Goal)?
They’re the same market with different names. “GG” (Goal/Goal) is used mostly by European bookmakers, while “BTTS” (Both Teams to Score) is common in the UK and US. Both mean each team must score at least once.
Can bookmakers void BTTS bets if a match is abandoned?
Yes. If a match is abandoned before full-time, BTTS bets are usually void and stakes returned. Some bookmakers may settle if around 80+ minutes have been played, but rules differ, so it’s best to check your operator’s policy.
Does BTTS settle if only one team scores twice?
No. A match where one team scores multiple goals but the other team fails to score results in BTTS No, as both sides must score at least once for BTTS Yes to win.
Can BTTS odds change significantly during a match?
Yes. BTTS odds can fluctuate in-play depending on which team scores first, how the game progresses, and time remaining. For example, if one team scores early, the likelihood of both teams scoring may drop, causing the “Yes” odds to lengthen. Monitoring live odds can offer strategic opportunities for in-play betting.